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Economy Minister visits Chepstow film set

THE FILMING of a second series of BBC show Atlantis in Chepstow has created significant benefits for Wales.

The Welsh Economy Minister, Edwina Hart, said there are significant direct and indirect economic benefits as a result of the primetime fantasy show being filmed at a warehouse on the Newhouse Farm Industrial Estate.

Mrs Hart said the first series, launched last autumn, had brought a significant investment to the local area.

The first of 13 episodes attracted an audience of 8.4million viewers, making it the biggest new Saturday night drama series launch across all channels since Robin Hood in 2006.

The first series also provided more than 100 work placements and up to 100 freelance workers in the local creative industries were employed during the seven month shoot.

After visiting the set Mrs Hart said: “Creative industries is a priority sector for the Welsh economy and the direct and indirect benefits of major high end TV dramas like Atlantis, that are filmed in Wales, are considerable.”

“Atlantis has enjoyed a huge critical and ratings success, with consolidated figures in the UK of over eight million for the opening episode.”

“This provides a further boost to Wales’ profile as a first class location for high end TV production. The exposure is invaluable and sends out a strong signal that in Wales we have the talent, the skills and the resources to support the very best in TV and film production.”

The drama is created by Urban Myth Films for BBC One through BBC Cymru Wales and co-produced by BBC America. Written by Howard Overman, it takes viewers on a journey through the vast store of Greek myths and legends re-imagined for a new generation.

Shooting for the second series began in March with a cast that includes Jack Donnelly, Robert Emms, Sarah Parish and Juliet Stevenson.

The studio space in Chepstow has provided Urban Myth Films with some of the largest green screen areas in the UK and the ability to build full sets as well as housing the entire team including costume on one site. This fantastic facility also enables the production to provide the epic scale of the world as well as undertake complex stunt and wire work that pushes the boundaries of action.

Sara Hamill, head of production at Urban Myth Films said: “It is great to be working in Wales again with an extremely talented team and we are pleased to have been able to help students gain experience and work placements.”

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